Many, including Wellen and Cyr, move on
SO LONG — Retiring from the NRHEG school district are, from left, Rebecca Mueller, Cathy Stringfield, Jeff Reese, Julie Economy, Deb Gaines and Principal Paul Cyr. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Another school year at NRHEG has come to a close and, as a result, the annual Years of Service program and breakfast, was held on Friday, June 7 in Ellendale.
The NRHEG administration, teachers, paraprofessionals, social worker, sign language interpreter, coaches, librarian, nurse, office staff, janitors, cooks, school bus drivers, and school board members gathered in the school cafeteria at 8 a.m. A total of 102 people enjoyed a catered breakfast.
Superintendent Wellen welcomed everyone and called upon Gratia Johnson to share information about the district’s Wellness Program. Johnson also presented door prizes.
Michelle Mulder and Becky Jensen presented information regarding the district’s paraprofessionals. Years of Service certificates were presented to Kim Routh, 10 years; and Jody Johnson and Michelle Johannson, 15 years.
Jensen shared a letter to the editor from Matt Durand that was published in an area newspaper. The letter outlined how teachers make a difference, as well as about all the support the residents and parents of the school district give the teachers as children are sent off to school.
As Becky read the editorial, it was hard for her to not tear up, seeing as it talked about how teachers do what they can to protect their students from harm. It also detailed how parents should be encouraged to let the teachers know they appreciate all they do.
Becky and Michelle then announced several of district employees and paraprofessionals were leaving the district and would not be back next fall. Stacy Ebnet, Kelsey Berg, Sarah Long, Laura Manthey and Jenny Hoyt have announced that they are moving on.
It was also announced that Cindy Becker had earlier resigned as one of the district bus drivers after 14 years. Milton Wayne, who drove bus #48, is retiring after eight years with the district. They were given small bus replicas to remember their years at NRHEG as bus drivers.
Larry Crabtree was presented a special plaque as he is retiring from the job of bus maintenance. Larry does plan to keep driving as one of the district’s bus drivers.
Lee Nelson was presented a retirement bell. She served in the kitchen in Ellendale for eight years. Jody Wayne has announced her retirement with the district after 13 years.
Next on the program was the announcement of several teacher and administrator retirements. Rick Schultz asked Paul Cyr to share his history, so to speak, with education. Cyr stated he has been involved with education for 31 years, 27 with the local district (1986-2013). He then said it was time for him to hit the road.
Those in attendance were also reminded Superintendent Wellen had earlier announced he would be moving on after six-plus years with the district, as he wanted to get back up to the "Lake Country." During Wellen’s time with the district, the two elementary schools merged together and all elementary students now attend school in Ellendale. The district was also able to pass a much needed referendum during Wellen’s years at NRHEG.
Several teachers also announced plans to retire. Julie Economy taught for 35 years. She began her career in education at Naples Italy, for one and a half years, and then spent 33 1/2 years at NRHEG.
Cathy Stringfield is also retiring after 42 years. Cathy started teaching with the district in 1986. She had asked the local district to donate several books to the district library instead of being presented with a retirement bell, which they did.
Jeff Reese began his career in education with the district in 1985. Jeff stated he was lucky to be able to come to work wearing shorts and T-shirts for many years as a physical education instructor. Jeff said he was retiring after 28 years in education so that he could do more things with his family.
Deb Gaines said she hadn’t planned to give a speech. She simply stated it was time for her to "hit the road," after 36 years. Deb started teaching in 1976. As Deb was presented with her retirement bell, many of her fellow teachers gave her a big wave, with hands covered in mittens.
Rebecca Mueller began her career as a teacher 35 years ago. She said she too was ready to retire. She also stated that teachers need to dream and proceeded to read a poem, "Make Each Day of Your Life...." by Donna Fargo that concluded with "Make Each Day of Your Life....A Day to be Happy....Count your blessings; love your life; treasure your family and friends and all that you're thankful for. Above all, soak in the gift of each moment and enjoy it with all your heart."
Rebecca thanked the administration, the secretaries, Angie Aaseth, LaNae Thorstad and Mary Conway, the paraprofessionals, the librarian, the janitors, cooks, Gratia Johnson as well as her teacher family. She concluded by saying she would never forget them.
Years of Service Pins and Certificates were presented to 15 staff members. As they were they presented, the teachers were encouraged to share information regarding where their years of service had taken place.
5 Year Certificates were presented to Jamie Radtke, Meghan Selvik and Sandy Schumacher;
10 year certificate was presented to Katie Knudson
15 year Certificate was presented to Joanie Olson
20 year certificates were presented to Frank Whitcomb, Jackie Schultz and Stacy Stork
25 year certificates were presented to Beth Schoenrock, Keven Wellen, Brad Root and Jill Boran
30 year certificates were presented to Marlene Schoenrock and Shelly Mangskau
35 year certificate was presented to Marilyn Dobberstein
Wellen then thanked everyone for a great year before Emily Otto and Terri Engel, along with the help of Sam and Sara, two hand puppets, were called upon to present a musical skit, "Lost My Teacher."
The morning program concluded with a poem ,"Eleven Signs That You Have Been Teaching Too Long," and teachers shared the "signs," the last stating, "It must be nice to work 8-3 and have your summers free."
It is noted that the local district employed three administrators, 73 teachers, 36 at New Richland and 37 at Ellendale; 40 paraprofessionals, a social worker, a person who provided sign language for one of the district’s student, coaches for the fall, winter and spring sports seasons, a librarian, one full-time and one half-time nurse; seven office staff members, eight kitchen staff members, five full-time and one half-time janitor, 11 full-time bus drivers, plus many subs this past school year.
The district had an ending enrollment of 499 preschool through 5th-grade students, and 495 6-12th grade students this year. A total of 65 students graduated on May 26.
All in all it was felt to be a successful year. Speaking of "a year," the school bells at NRHEG will once again start ringing on September 3rd.